CT scanning shows why tilting trees produce better biofuelImperial College LondonImperial researchers have used medical imaging techniques to explore why making willow trees grow at an angle can vastly improve their biofuel yields. Using micro-CT scans, the team showed that the trees respond to being tilted by producing a sugar-rich, gelatinous fiber, which helps them stay upright.

Record millions of wood pallets meet European format standardsWoodworking NetworkThe European Pallet Association saw 66.3 million wooden pallets produced in 2014, a 3 percent increase in wooden pallet production over the previous year. In addition to the increase in production, the number of repaired EPAL pallets increased slightly to 22.4 million, over 22.3 million in 2013.

Boston firm backs $200 million biomass planPortland Business JournalA Boston venture firm has made an undisclosed investment to advance plans to construct a $200 million biomass plant in rural Oregon.
Red Rock Biofuels LLC, a subsidiary of IR1 Group, said Flagship Ventures, a Boston venture capital and venture formation firm specializing in healthcare and sustainability, made a "substantial" investment.

Brazil biofuel, sustainable projects get $100 million from IDBBloombergThe Inter-American Development Bank approved $100 million in financing for biofuel and sustainable agriculture projects in Brazil. The funds will be for investments through Banco ABC Brasil SA, according to Luiz Antonio Assumpcao Neto, director of foreign funding at ABC. The Brazil bank has one year to choose projects and existing businesses to finance.

Miscanthus biomass to power University of IowaRepreve Renewables via AG ProfessionalBiomass industry company Repreve Renewables, LLC, has been chosen to provide the agricultural and business development services for the University of Iowa's Biomass Fuel Project. The Biomass Fuel Project aims to assess and improve the environmental aspects of new and existing biomass crops and fuels.

OSHA operations and procedures discussed at ISO New York meetingWoodworking NetworkMembers of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), held a five-day summit in New York to review and comment on current technology and machinery standards. It was the first meeting of its kind and featured 10 ISO members representing Germany, France, Austria, Brazil and Italy who met with U.S. Technical Advisory Group members and OSHA, which gave an overview of its rules and requirements, at the ANSI New York offices.

The latest in project managementConstructech magazineFor the construction industry, effective project management is key to moving the project forward. As such, technology providers continue to come to market with new upgrades. Asta Development of London has launched an upgrade to Asta Powerproject, its project management product suite.